James Harden Injury Update: Is the Clippers Guard Really Injured? Ty Lue Clears the Air About Resting His Stars

The Los Angeles Clippers will go head-to-head against the Chicago Bulls tonight. The Bulls will pose a tough challenge for Kawhi Leonard and Co, with Chicago coming off a huge overtime win over the Pacers. To add to the Clippers’ problems, their starting guard, James Harden, has been ruled out of tonight’s game due to a shoulder strain.

Harden has been dealing with shoulder issues for a few days and has been on the injury report twice in the last three games. While many are speculating that he is missing tonight’s game to take some time off, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue cleared the air. “He’s not really taking a game off. He’s experiencing some things,” Lue said in the pre-game interview. He also revealed how much missing games hurts the former MVP, “It hurts him and pains him to do that because he wants to play every night.”

Tonight’s Bulls clash will be Harden’s first missed game since joining the Clippers. Before getting ruled out tonight, Harden had played 59 consecutive games having been traded from the Sixers last November. That is his longest playing streak since 2017 when he was still playing for the Rockets. The Clippers, more so, will miss Harden in tonight’s game because he has been their primary ball-handler all season. Fortunately, Kawhi Leonard will be available to make up for Harden’s absence, giving the Clippers a glimmer of hope. Kawhi had left mid-way during the last game due to thoracic spasms.

James Harden stats in last 10 outings

James Harden has been key in the Clippers’ success this season. He is averaging 17.4 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.1 rebounds. Harden’s offensive prowess has helped the Clippers maintain a 41-23 record, occupying the 4th spot in the Western Conference standings. However, the former MVP has seen a significant drop in efficiency since returning from the All-Star break. In the last 10 games, Harden is averaging 17.3 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. Although his numbers are higher than his season average, Harden’s field goal percentage has dropped from 45 to 41 since the All-Star break.

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Harden has been a liability on defense for the Clippers. They are 23 points worse defensively with him on the floor due to his 2.6 turnovers per game. However, the Clippers will still miss The Beard in his absence because of what he brings on offense. Since the All-Star break, the Clippers offense has plummeted to team-worst 106.8 points per 100 possessions without Harden on the floor. Hopefully, Harden can recover from his injury soon and return for tomorrow’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.